Meriden and Solihull East MP demands Government provide additional support to smaller businesses affected by Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack shutdown
Saqib Bhatti MBE MP, Member of Parliament for Meriden and Solihull East, has today written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, calling for urgent Government support for supply chain businesses following a crippling cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) that has brought production to a halt and placed thousands of jobs at risk across the West Midlands.
In a robustly worded letter, Mr Bhatti highlights the devastating economic impact of the shutdown, which began on 1 September and is now expected to last until at least 24 September. The cyber-attack has not only disrupted operations at JLR, one of the UK’s most iconic automotive manufacturers but is also severely affecting its supply chain, which supports more than 100,000 jobs across the region.
In his letter to the Chancellor, Mr Bhatti called for the Government to work with UK banks to urgently establish a short-term, fully repayable loan scheme to support affected suppliers. He also urged the Government to pressure insurers to fast-track claims related to the shutdown to avoid unnecessary delays that could push businesses to the brink.
Mr Bhatti has also copied his letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, the Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, urging cross-departmental collaboration to support one of the UK's most critical industrial sectors.
Commenting, Saqib Bhatti MBE MP said: “The Government must act immediately, as a convener, to bring banks and insurers to the table. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the pandemic, where many businesses were left struggling due to bureaucracy and delays. JLR directly employs over 36,000 people and contributes an estimated £18 billion to UK GDP. The firm is a cornerstone of the West Midlands’ manufacturing heritage, and its future is tightly interwoven with the success of hundreds of local suppliers. In situations such as these, inaction is also a decision, one with serious implications for jobs, communities, and the UK’s wider manufacturing strength.”
